Systems and Apparatuses for a Hanging Wall Wet/Dry Vacuum with Detachable Blower and Slide Out Drum Removal

ABSTRACT

Applicants have created vacuum systems and apparatuses for a hanging wall wet/dry vacuum with detachable blower and slide out drum removal. The vacuum apparatus can include a removable powerhead (such as a blower), a removable drum, and a base unit that can be coupled to the external surface (such as a wall) when the removable powerhead is decoupled from the base unit. The system can include the vacuum apparatus and an external surface mounting device adapted to mount the vacuum apparatus to the external surface. Because the powerhead can be removed from the base unit while coupled to the external surface, an operator can enjoy an increased portability and functionality of the powerhead. Further, because the drum can be similarly removed from the base unit, an operator can quickly and efficiently clean the drum without removing the entire vacuum apparatus from the external surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/757,547, filed Jan. 28, 2013, the specification, figures, and complete disclosure of which are incorporated herein by specific reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The inventions disclosed and taught herein relate generally to wall mounted wet/dry vacuum apparatuses and systems. More specifically, the inventions described relate to a wall-mounted wet/dry vacuum with a detachable blower and slideably removable drum.

2. Description of the Related Art

The inventions disclosed and taught herein are directed to improved systems and apparatuses for wall-mounted vacuum appliances. Although these inventions can be used in numerous applications, the inventions will be disclosed in only a few of many applications for illustrative purposes.

Vacuum cleaners, more particularly, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, are available in several different configurations. One configuration, for example, includes a canister-type wet/dry vacuum cleaner that can include a plurality of wheels, such as casters, that provide a means for rolling the vacuum's canister to and from a particular area. Although vacuums with wheels can be moved with relative ease, there are drawbacks to these designs as well. For example, vacuums of this configuration can occupy a significant amount of storage space while not in use. Another vacuum configuration includes wall-mounted vacuums. Although wall-mounted vacuums can help to solve the storage problem discussed above, vacuums of this configuration type are not portable. That is, wall-mounted vacuums must be removed entirety from the wall or other support structure and remounted before being moved to a different location.

Further, wall-mounted vacuums must be entirely removed from their mounts before they can be cleaned (such as removing the container storing the collected debris). This can be a time-consuming process because it typically involves removing and remounting the entire vacuum cleaner from the wall every time the operator is empties the debris container. Further, wall-mounted vacuum cleaners are typically used in conjunction with long, cumbersome hoses that can limit the vacuum's vacuum debris collection range and efficiency, and can also limit blowing performance and mobility (i.e., when the vacuum is used as a blower).

What is required, therefore, is a solution that provides a wall-mounted vacuum, such as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, that include a detachable powerhead and a slideably removable drum that can be quickly and easily removed from the vacuum while the vacuum remains mounted to the wall.

Accordingly, the inventions disclosed and taught herein are directed to systems and apparatuses for an external surface-mounted vacuum that overcomes the problems as set forth above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventions disclosed and taught herein are directed to vacuum systems and apparatuses adapted to be coupled to an external surface, the vacuum systems having a removable powerhead and slide out drum. The removable powerhead is capable of acting as a wet/dry vacuum, a dry debris only vacuum appliance, and/or a detachable blower, thereby providing two- or three-in-one tool product. The objects described above and other advantages and features of the inventions are incorporated in the application as set forth herein, and the associated appendices and drawings.

Applicants have created vacuum systems and apparatuses for a hanging wall wet/dry vacuum with a detachable blower and/or dry debris vacuum, and slide out drum removal. The vacuum apparatus can include a removable powerhead (such as a blower), a removable drum, and a base unit that can be coupled to the external is surface (such as a wall) when the removable powerhead is decoupled from the base unit. The system can include the vacuum apparatus and an external surface mounting device adapted to mount the vacuum apparatus to the external surface. Because the powerhead can be removed from the base unit while coupled to the external surface, an operator can enjoy an increased portability and functionality of the powerhead. Further, because the drum can be similarly removed from the base unit, an operator can quickly and efficiently clean the drum without removing the entire vacuum apparatus from the external surface.

The apparatus can include a vacuum apparatus adapted to be mounted to an external surface. The apparatus can further include a removable powerhead (such as a blower) that can also act as part of a removable wet/dry, dry-only, or both, vacuum appliance, a removable drum, and a base unit that can be adapted to be coupled to the external surface (such as a wall) when the removable powerhead is decoupled from the base unit. The removable drum can be adapted to be coupled to and decoupled from the base unit and the removable powerhead can include a handle adapted to facilitate the decoupling of the removable powerhead from the base unit. The apparatus can further include a first accessory mount and a recess that can be adapted to receive at least a portion of a hose or other vacuum appliance.

The system can include an external surface-mounted vacuum system that can include a vacuum apparatus that can include a removable powerhead (such as a blower) and/or a dry-debris vacuum appliance, a removable drum, and a base unit that can be adapted to be coupled to the external surface (such as a wall) when the removable powerhead is decoupled from the base unit. The system can further include an external surface mounting device that can be adapted to mount the vacuum apparatus to the external surface, first and second appliance storages, a hose, and a crevice tool (such as a wand). The first appliance storage can be adapted to receive at least a portion of the hose and the second appliance storage can be adapted to receive the crevice tool. The system can further include a coupler and a fastener. The is coupler can be adapted to couple a portion of the vacuum apparatus (such as the base unit) to the external surface and the fastener can be adapted to couple the external surface mounting device to the external surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these figures in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric front view of a first embodiment of a vacuum apparatus adapted to be mounted to an external surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the first embodiment of the vacuum apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the first embodiment of the vacuum apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 including a partial cutaway view of several select elements of the vacuum apparatus.

FIG. 4A illustrates a right side partial cut-away view of the first embodiment of the vacuum apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B illustrates a partial side cut-away of the vacuum apparatus of FIG. 3, showing an exemplary filter and filter cage arrangement.

FIG. 5 illustrates a frontal, partial cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of the external surface-mounted vacuum apparatus system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a right side view of the vacuum apparatus system illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of an exemplary external surface mounting device illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an exemplary, detachable dry vacuum/blower accessory in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a frontal view of the blower accessory of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric, partial cutaway view of the blower accessory of FIG. 10.

While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, only a few specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The Figures and detailed descriptions of these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the breadth or scope of the inventive concepts or the appended claims in any manner. Rather, the figures and detailed written descriptions are provided to illustrate the inventive concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art and to enable such person to make and use the inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Figures described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what Applicant has invented or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the Figures and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention for which patent protection is sought.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the invention are described or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present invention will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related, and other constraints, which may vary by specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a developer's efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skill in this art having benefit of this disclosure.

It must be understood that the inventions disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Lastly, the use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relational terms, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” and the like are used in the written description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “coupling,” “coupler,” and like terms are used broadly herein and can include any method or device for securing, binding, bonding, fastening, attaching, joining, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein, communicating, or otherwise associating, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operably, directly or indirectly with intermediate elements, one or more pieces of members together and can further include without limitation integrally forming one functional member with another in a unity fashion. The coupling can occur in any direction, including rotationally.

Applicants have created vacuum systems and apparatuses for a hanging wall vacuum appliance, including both a wet/dry vacuum and/or a dry debris vacuum appliance, with a detachable blower and slide out drum removal. The vacuum apparatus can include a removable powerhead (such as a blower), a removable drum, and a base unit that can be coupled to the external surface (such as a wall) when the removable powerhead is decoupled from the base unit. The system can include the vacuum apparatus and an external surface mounting device adapted to mount the vacuum apparatus to the external surface. Because the powerhead can be removed from the base unit while coupled to the external surface, an operator can enjoy an increased portability and functionality of the powerhead. Further, because the drum can be similarly removed from the base unit, an operator can quickly and efficiently clean the drum without removing the entire vacuum apparatus from the external surface.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric front view of a first embodiment of a vacuum apparatus adapted to be mounted to an external surface. FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the first embodiment of the vacuum apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the first embodiment of the vacuum apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 including a partial cut-away view of several select elements of the vacuum apparatus. FIG. 4A illustrates a right side view of the first embodiment of the vacuum apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3; FIG. 4B illustrates a right side, partial cut-away view of the vacuum apparatus of FIG. 3, showing an exemplary filter assembly configuration. These figures will be described in conjunction with one another.

The apparatus 10 can include a vacuum device, such as a wet/dry vacuum, or other conventional-style vacuum device, including a dry-debris only vacuum. This vacuum device can take the form of varying sizes, shapes, and capacity (such as, for example, a four-gallon capacity wet/dry vacuum, although other capacities are contemplated as well). Apparatus 10 can include a removable powerhead 12 that can include an air outlet 14, a handle 16, and a power switch 18. The apparatus 10 can is further include one or more cord storage mounts 20, a release mechanism 22 (for releasing all or part of the vacuum device from the wall-mounted base unit, 30), a removable drum 24, a vacuum air inlet 26, and optionally at least one recess 28 formed in the sidewall of the drum 24 that can be used as a handle or other gripping-type structure to facilitate an operator's grip on the assembly while decoupling the drum 24 from, and coupling the drum 24 with, apparatus 10.

Still further, the apparatus can include a base unit 30, a motor assembly 32, a filter element 34, and a filter cage 36. The base unit 30 can be adapted to be coupled to the external surface 102 (such as a wall or similar structure) and/or external surface mounting device 104 (e.g., FIG. 8) when the removable powerhead 12 is decoupled from the base unit 30. The removable drum 24 can be adapted to be coupled to and decoupled from the base unit 30 and the removable powerhead's 12 handle 16 can be adapted to facilitate the decoupling of the removable powerhead 12 from the base unit 30 and/or other portions of apparatus 10.

Removable powerhead 12 can include a handle 16 formed onto or into it, as appropriate, or handle 16 can be formed as a single monolithic unit with powerhead 12. Handle 16 can be disposed such that an operator can quickly and easily grasp the handle 16 with a single hand to remove powerhead 12 from other portions of the apparatus 10 (e.g., the base unit 30, the drum 24, etc.). Although depicted in the figures as being disposed on a top portion of the apparatus 10, the handle 16 can be disposed on other areas of the apparatus 10 to aid its quick removal from the other portions of the apparatus 10. Further, handle 16 can be replaced with a grip, grasp, latch, lever, pivot, or other device, protuberance, or protrusion for permitting an operator to remove and manipulate the location of the powerhead 12 once decoupled from the apparatus 10, such as through a snap-on/snap-off-type coupling structure. For example, the powerhead 12 can be released through the use of the release mechanism 22 that can include a release lever or the like for releasing the powerhead 12 from the apparatus 10. In other examples, the release mechanism 22 can include a button, switch, or the like for permitting the powerhead 12 to be released or decoupled from apparatus 10.

Powerhead 12 can include vacuum air outlet 14 that is adapted to receive and couple with an accessory (such as a vacuum hose—not shown) through a fiction-fit coupling, or coupling with the aid of clips, clasps, or the like (e.g., lock-fitted). Powerhead 12 can include motor 32 and an impeller assembly (not shown). The illustrated vacuum powerhead 12 powers the vacuum cleaner via user actuation of motor 32 and the associated air impeller (not depicted). The head mounts on to and seals against the vacuum drum 24, which holds debris collected by the vacuum cleaning device. Powerhead 12 can be employed to create suction so that the apparatus 10 can be used as a vacuum, such as a wet/dry vacuum, dry-debris only, or other standard-type or conventional vacuum. Additionally, powerhead 12 can be removed from the drum 24 and the rest of the assembly so as to be engaged by the user as a blower such that the motor and/or impeller assembly (not shown) can be used to push air out through air outlet 14.

Base unit 30 can include a manifold (not shown) designed to minimize the airflow restrictions to maximize the apparatus' 10 power from the powerhead 12 to the drum 24. By decoupling the powerhead 12 from a portion of the apparatus 10 without decoupling the remaining elements of apparatus 10 from an external surface 102 and/or external surface mounting device (e.g., FIG. 8), an operator can employ powerhead 12 as a detachable blower with a self-sufficient power supply to increase its portability.

Apparatus' 10 power supply can be battery powered, powered through AC or DC electricity, such as through a power cord (not shown). For instance, apparatus 10 can include a rechargeable battery pack (not shown) that includes one or more Lead-Acid, Nickel Cadmium, Lithium Ion, Lithium Ion Polymer, and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. Power switch 18 can include any switch, button, knob or other device for controlling the power supplied to the apparatus 10 (i.e., switching it to either an “on” or “off” position). Although the figures depict power switch 18 as being formed as part of the handle 16, other embodiments include power switch 18 being coupled to, or formed as part of, other portions of powerhead 12.

In addition to powerhead 12, apparatus 10 can include one or more cord storage mounts 20. In an exemplary and non-limiting illustrative embodiment, each of the one or more cord storage mounts 20 can include one or more turnable releases to allow an operator to quickly release a power cord (not shown) wrapped around the one or more storage mounts 20. Recess 28 can be used as a handle or other gripping-type structure to facilitate an operator's grip while decoupling the drum 24 from, and coupling the drum 24 with, apparatus 10. Alternatively, similar other structures can be used to replace recess 28, or in addition to recess 28, such as a handle, or other protrusion, protuberance, or the like (not shown) that can be either coupled to or formed as part of drum 24 in order to facilitate an operator's handling of the drum 24.

Removable drum 24 (equivalently referred to herein as a collection drum, vacuum body, body, or collector) can include a bottom, at least one side or sidewall (depending upon the shape of the drum), and an open top. Further, the drum 24 can be slidably (horizontally, vertically, or otherwise) coupled to and decoupled from a portion of the apparatus 10. For example, the drum 24 can be coupled to the bottom region of powerhead 12, and/or to a front face of the base unit 30. In one example, the removable drum 24 can be releasably secured via one or more latches (not shown) coupled to at least a portion of the drum 24. Other securement features (such as snaps, locks, clips, clasps, or the like—not shown) for facilitating the coupling of the drum 24 to a portion of the apparatus 10 are contemplated as well. In one non-limiting example, the drum 24 engages with a lower portion of the base unit 30, slidably or via is a latching mechanism.

The drum 24 can be circular, cylindrical, or oval in shape, or in the alternative, may be of another suitable shape as appropriate, such as square or rectangular, without limitation. Further, drum 24 can include one or more handles (not shown) or recesses 28 (as described above). Still further, drum 24 can include a drain plug (not shown) disposed at a location of the drum 24 (such as the bottom) to aid in the removal of liquid debris from within the drum 24. For example, the drain plug (not shown) may aid with the ease of draining liquid debris from the drum 24, aid with the ease in cleaning the drum 24 once removed from a portion of the apparatus 10, such as, for example, base unit 30, through a snap-on/snap-off-type coupling structure.

The illustrated vacuum vacuum drum 24 is preferably manufactured as a single piece of rigid plastic. Single-piece construction can minimize the amount of time and effort to produce the tank. It may also be preferred for making the indent 28 in a sidewall of the drum 24. However, one-piece construction is not always required. In some circumstances, two-piece drums or other designs may also be used. Rigid plastic is conducive to true one-piece construction, and may sometimes be preferred for that reason. However, a variety of materials other than rigid plastic can also be used, as appropriate, including a variety of polymeric materials, and metals such as stainless steel (lined or not).

Base unit 30 can include one or more elements of apparatus 10 or, in the alternative, base unit 30 can include on more elements either coupled to, or formed as part of, apparatus 10. In an exemplary and non-limiting illustrative embodiment, base unit 30 can include the portions of the apparatus 10 that remain once the powerhead 12 and/or the drum 24 are decoupled from the apparatus 10. In another embodiment, base unit 30 can be a separate structure adapted to be coupled to the apparatus 10. For example, base unit 30 can include a mounting plate (not shown) that is coupled to is one or more elements of apparatus 10 such that the mounting plate (not shown) is adapted to remain coupled to an external surface 102 and/or external surface mounting device 104 (as shown in FIG. 8) while the powerhead 12, drum 24, or both, are detached from apparatus 10.

As an alternative, the mounting plate (not shown) described above can be replaced with any bracket, support, mount, fastener, screw, bolt, clip, adhesive, or the like for coupling the apparatus 10 to an external surface 102 (e.g., FIG. 8) even when the powerhead 12, drum 24, or both, are removed from apparatus 10. For example, base unit 30 can remain coupled to an external surface 102 (as shown in FIG. 8) through the aid of the external surface mounting device 104 (e.g., FIG. 8). By doing so, an operator can remove and clean the filter 36 which, in one example, can be coupled to a portion of drum 24.

Filter element 36 can be coupled to filter cage 34. For example, filter cage 34 can be tubular, and may be configured to support a generally cylindrical filter element 36, such as receiving filter 36 there around. Filter cage 34 can include one or more openings therein, or in the alternative, it may have an “open” or “slotted” configuration, that may include support members such as ribs (not shown) disposed in horizontal and/or vertical directions with respect to the filter cage 34. The filter cage may also include a float assembly 35, as shown in the cut-away view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a frontal, partial cut-away view of an alternative embodiment in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a side, partial cut-away view of the embodiment of FIG. 5. These figures will be described in conjunction with each other.

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 5, an alternative vacuum assembly 10′ includes a removable receptacle, vacuum debris collection drum 24, for use with a wet/dry vacuum arrangement, wherein there is no filter cage assembly, including the filter cage and associate float, or filter element. In this alternative arrangement, the filter cage assembly and filter element are replaced by moving the vacuum fluid inlet 14′ to an area that is above a fluid filter 37, the fluid inlet forming a closed, shaped fluid transport duct 17 exiting the inlet 14′ a distance from the exterior edge of inlet 14′, and below the fluid filter 37. Fluid filter 37 is resistant to large molecule transport.

In the side view of FIG. 6, the details of the curved duct 17 are shown more clearly, as well as the optional inclusion of a dry media collection vessel 50 that is removable from the detachable blower by a hook and latch or similar latching mechanism 52, allowing for vacuum assembly 10′ to comprise three products in one assembly—a removable leaf blower 200 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10-12), a small, portable dry-debris pickup vacuum appliance, and a wet/dry media vacuum appliance. The dry media vacuum appliance 50 connects to the detachable blower 200, and the vacuum preferably uses a filter bag 54 or other filter media panel within the dry media collection vessel 50. Suction port 56, located near the bottom of the dry media collection vessel 50, can connect to a vacuum suction hose or the like, or is in vacuum communication to removable drum 24.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of the external surface-mounted vacuum apparatus system. FIG. 8 illustrates a right side view of the first embodiment of the vacuum apparatus system illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 illustrates a first embodiment of the external surface mounting device illustrated in FIG. 8. These figures will be described in conjunction with one another.

The system 100 can include a vacuum apparatus 10 that can include an external surface mounting device 104 that can be adapted to mount the vacuum apparatus 10 to the external surface 102. The system 100 can further include a coupler 105 that can be adapted to couple a portion of the vacuum apparatus 10 to the external surface 102 with the aid of the external surface mounting unit 104, a first appliance storage 106, and second appliance storage 110. The first appliance storage 106 can be adapted to receive a vacuum appliance 108, such as a wand, and the second appliance storage 110 can be adapted to receive a hose 112, or in the is alternative, one or more vacuum appliances 108. Further, the system 100 can include a fastener 114 that can be adapted to couple the external surface mounting device 104 to the external surface 102 and a vacuum appliance lock 116 that can include a grip, clip, clasp, or the like for securing a vacuum appliance 108. In an exemplary and non-limiting illustrative embodiment, vacuum appliance 108 can include a wand and vacuum appliance lock 116 can include a wand lock/clip for securing the wand to the external surface mounting device 104.

External surface 102 can include a wall, or in the alternative can include any external surface adapted to couple and/or mount apparatus 10. For example, external surface 102 can include a cabinet, container, or support structure that is adequately adapted to mount and/or support a vacuum with the external surface mounting device 104. External surface mounting device 104 can include any bracket, fixture, structure, brace, or the like for coupling base unit 30 (as shown in FIG. 1A) to the external surface 102. The external surface mounting device 104 can be made of any material suitable for supporting the weight of a vacuum device, such as, for example, metal, wood, plastics, or the like. Further, external surface mounting device 104 can be adapted to support the weight of one or more appliances (such as, for example, vacuum appliance 108) through the aid of first and second appliance storages 106 and 110, respectively.

First and second appliance tool storages 106 and 110, respectively, can include any clip, hook, clasp, bracket, brace, or other support for mounting an accessory or vacuum tool 108 to apparatus 10, external surface mounting device 104, or both. In an exemplary and non-limiting illustrative embodiment, first appliance tool storage 104 can include a fixture, such as a mount with a hollow center, adapted to receive vacuum accessory or tool 108 and second appliance tool storage 110 can include a storage area, such as container-like structure, or recessed area, for receiving a vacuum hose 112. Vacuum accessory tool 108 can include crevice tools, brushes, squeegees, wands, or the like that can be used in conjunction the hose 112, either through a friction-fit, or lock-fit configuration to quickly interchange the vacuum appliance 108 selected by an operator.

Vacuum hose 112 can include a hose, tube, or other conduit, either flexible or rigid, and it may be configured such that one end can be inserted into air inlet 26 (e.g., FIG. 1A) formed in a region of drum 24 (e.g., FIG. 1A), or in the alternative, a portion of powerhead 12 (e.g., FIG. 1A). In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, hose 112 is simply friction-fit into air inlet 26 (e.g., FIG. 1A). Similarly and equally acceptable, hose 112 can be lock-fitted air inlet 26 (e.g., FIG. 1A), as appropriate.

Fasteners 114 can include any bracket, support, mount, fastener, screw, bolt, clip, adhesive, or the like for coupling the external surface mounting device 104 to the external surface 102. For example, fasteners 114 can include one or more bolts for securing the mounting device 104 to the external surface 102. Once coupled to the external surface 102, apparatus 10 can be mounted or coupled to the mounting device 104 (and thus, external surface 102) through the aid of coupler 105.

Coupler 105 can be affixed to or coupled with base unit 30 (as shown in FIG. 1A), or it can be formed integrally with base unit 30 (as shown in FIG. 1A). Still further, coupler 105 can be formed as a portion or apparatus 10 (or alternatively, affixed or coupled to a portion of apparatus 10), to permit apparatus 10 to remain coupled to mounting device 104 when powerhead 12, drum 24, or both, are removed from apparatus 10. Coupler 105 can include any bracket, support, mount, fastener, screw, bolt, clip, adhesive, or other locking mechanism. In an exemplary and non-limiting illustrative embodiment, coupler 105 can include a horizontally extending clasp or mount, such that apparatus 10 can engage with coupler 105 to cause coupler 105 to lock apparatus 10 in place with external surface mounting device 104 to secure it in place. To remove apparatus 10 from mounting device 104 in this example, an operator can unlock the apparatus 10 from the coupler 105 by lifting and pulling the apparatus 10 up and away from the external surface 102.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate side, front, and perspective views, respectively, of a dry vacuum detachable blower assembly 200, separate from the rest of the vacuum appliance system (such as the collection drum and the base), showing vacuum outlet 214 shaped to accept the attachment of a rigid or flexible blower wand or hose. Also illustrated therein are the coupling attachments 204 for removing the dry vacuum attachment 50, as appropriate, although the blower 200 can operate with or without the dry vacuum attachment 50. Preferably, the blower assembly 200 is shaped to include two or more support assemblies 210, located opposite blower handle 216 (and power switch 218), so as to allow the assembly 200 to be set upon a surface without tipping over.

While some components may be formed integrally, others may be formed separately and otherwise coupled together, which may include the use of fasteners, such as screws, clips, brackets, adhesives, or other couplers. Further, where components may be sealingly coupled to one another, seals may be coupled there between. Seals may include gaskets, O-rings, sealants, adhesives, or other seals, whether or not specifically described herein, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill having the benefits of the present disclosure.

For purposes of clarity and understanding, one or more of these components may not be specifically described or shown while, nevertheless, being present in one or more embodiments of the invention, such as in a commercial embodiment, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally and can be embodied as separate components or can be combined into components having multiple functions. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements and vice-versa.

The inventions have been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has been described. Obvious modifications and alterations to the described embodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention conceived of by the Applicants, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicants intend to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that come within the scope or range or equivalent of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vacuum apparatus adapted to be mounted to an external surface, the apparatus comprising: a removable powerhead; a removable drum; an optional, removable dry vacuum attachment; and a base unit adapted to be coupled to the external surface when the removable powerhead is decoupled from the base unit.
 2. The vacuum apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable drum is adapted to be coupled to and decoupled from the base unit.
 3. The vacuum apparatus of claim 2 wherein the removable powerhead further comprises a handle adapted to facilitate the decoupling of the removable powerhead from the base unit.
 4. The vacuum apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable power head is both a detachable blower and a dry material vacuum.
 5. The vacuum apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first accessory mount.
 6. The vacuum apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a recess, wherein the recess is adapted to receive at least a portion of a vacuum appliance.
 7. The vacuum apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable dry material vacuum is attached to the removable drum through the vacuum hose receptacle, through a combination of the recess and the dry vacuum hose port, or both.
 8. The vacuum apparatus of claim 1 wherein the external surface is a wall.
 9. The vacuum apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable powerhead is a blower.
 10. An external surface-mounted vacuum system, the system comprising: a vacuum apparatus, comprising: a removable powerhead; a removable drum; and a base unit adapted to be coupled to the external surface when the removable powerhead is decoupled from the base unit; and an external surface mounting device adapted to mount the vacuum apparatus to the external surface.
 11. The vacuum system of claim 10 further comprising first and second appliance storages.
 12. The vacuum system of claim 10, further comprising a removable dry vacuum appliance assembly.
 13. The vacuum system of claim 11 further comprising a wand, wherein the first appliance storage is adapted to receive the wand.
 14. The vacuum system of claim 11 further comprising a hose, wherein the second appliance storage is adapted to receive at least a portion of the hose.
 15. The vacuum system of claim 10 further comprising a coupler, wherein the coupler is adapted to couple a portion of the vacuum apparatus to the external surface mounting device.
 16. The vacuum system of claim 12 wherein the portion of the vacuum apparatus is the base unit.
 17. The vacuum system of claim 10 further comprising a fastener, wherein the fastener is adapted to couple the external surface mounting device to the external surface.
 18. The vacuum system of claim 10 wherein the external surface is a wall. 